upscale
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈʌp.skeɪl/
KK: /ˈʌpˌskeɪl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to products, services, or places that are designed for wealthy people and are of high quality.
Example
They decided to stay in an upscale hotel during their vacation.
Conversation
Have you seen that new restaurant downtown?
Yeah, I heard it's really upscale and fancy.
I think we should try it out for dinner sometime.
Definitely! I've been wanting to experience some upscale dining.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
luxurious
exclusive
elegant
Antonyms
inferior
cheap
basic
transitive verb
Definition
To improve or enhance something to make it more appealing or suitable for wealthier customers or a higher standard.
Example
The restaurant decided to upscale its menu to attract more affluent diners.
Tense Forms
Past: upscaled
Past Participle: upscaled
Conversation
Have you seen how they upscale that old café downtown?
Yeah, I heard they changed the menu to include fancy dishes now.
I think it's great that they're trying to upscale the place for better customers.
Root Explanation
Upscale is formed from "up" (meaning higher or above) and "scale" (from Latin "scala", meaning ladder or steps). The word refers to something that is of higher quality or status, as if moving up a ladder of quality.
Memory Tip
Think of moving 'up' to a 'higher' level of quality or status, just like climbing a ladder.
Visually Confused Words
unscale
scale
upsaddle
unscaled
musicale
buscarle